We had a STORY meeting a few months ago in Chicago where I tested our core values on my team.
I'd say "where I tested my team on our core values" ... except there were no right or wrong answers for them.
As they each went around and shared their thoughts, there were only right or wrong answers for me.
Core values are un-spoken.
In fact, you should never have to say them.
They exist apart from your lists and language.
They're what you advocate and reinforce with your actions.
So I was testing myself - to see whether our team valued what I've been trying to express through this incredible brand.
I got it mostly right except for a few stray hairs I needed to comb back in place.
Here's an exercise -- ask your team what your core values are. Don't tell them. If you've gotten it wrong, they'll let you know what you need to do a better job expressing.
Whoa! We were just discussing this in a team meeting today. How timely! Thank you sir.
Posted by: Mitch | June 12, 2012 at 02:10 PM
nice...
Posted by: Ben Arment | June 12, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Love this! It's true that expressing the values verbally or putting them up on the wall can shortcut your team's ability to own the values. Being able to put something intrinsically common with others into your own words means you all get it and love it.
Posted by: Chris | June 13, 2012 at 09:46 AM
Chris: I love what you said about putting values in their own words and ownership of those values. That's a key thing I want to advocate.
Posted by: Mitch | June 13, 2012 at 12:26 PM